Little Nachman, Part 22

with translation by Rabbi Lazer Brody

and illustrations by Rebecca Shapiro

 

 

 

 

Once, during recess, Nachman and Shimon saw their friend Aaron standing alone in the playground, sad and dejected.

 

"Aaron, what’s the matter?" they asked.

 

"The other kids hit me and make fun of me all day long. I don’t want to go to school anymore."

 

"Don’t be sad, Aaron. Don’t give up. Pray to Hashem – He always helps. Hashem guards over everyone; pray to Him and He’ll guard over you too!"

 

"You’re just trying to make me feel better," Aaron said. "How can a little boy like me pray to Hashem?"

 

"That’s no problem," replied Nachman. "Just find a quiet place and talk to Hashem! Ask like this: ‘Dear Father in Heaven, please protect me, so that the other kids in my class won’t hit me all the time.’ Tell Hashem everything that is on your mind. Tell Him all the things that make you sad, like the kids in your neighborhood that bother you and make fun of you. Tell Hashem how hard it is for you to concentrate on your schoolwork. Ask Hashem to have mercy on you and to help you, so that other people will like you."

  

To be continued, G-d willing.